Introduction: ABT is known
for their swimbaits and the hard bodied Shad and soft bodied Wagtail have both
become popular lures among tournament anglers and big bass hunters. The company
is branching out and in advance of ICAST has unveiled a new series of lures
under the “Next Generation” line. Included in the new series is a brand new hard
bodied swimbait called the Banshee which features multiple joints and a highly
realistic finish.

The
Banshee (Trout Pattern) is part of ABT's new "Next Generation" line which will
be officially unveiled at ICAST

Will
Angler's Scream for the Banshee? The new “Next Generation” lures are
designed by Allen Borden who developed the King Shad and other popular baits for
Strike King. Allan put great emphasis on designing ABT’s new lures with a more
life-like appearance, and it shows.

The
Banshee is the most realistic looking swimbait to come from ABT yet

The new Banshee
Swimbait features a narrow-profile and four-sections that is helps the lure
undulate in the water as it is retrieved. It is designed to mimic the appearance
of a fleeing baitfish. ABT will offer a 4 ½-inch long Banshee Swimbait, as well
as a 6-inch model.

A
close up of the Perch pattern. Each bait features a realistic finish and 3-D
eyes

The Banshee is
available in a variety of fish-catching colors/patterns that mirror blueback
herring, threadfin shad, golden shiner, perch, rainbow trout, and other prey
species bass can’t resist. Additional aesthetics, including 3-D eyes and
detailed scale patterns, further enhance the Banshee’s realism. The patterns
look very lifelike and we could tell that extra work was put into the lure’s
detailed scale and coloration patterns.

Each Banshee has four segments and the hinges are supported with steel
connectors for extra durability

The Banshee is
also designed to be fished at varying speeds and depths allowing it to be worked
as a topwater lure or jerkbait. ABT also wanted to make the lures more durable,
and while other hard swimbait manufacturers use plastic to attach the jointed
sections of their lures ABT employs rugged steel connectors.

The
Banshee Threadfin Shad pattern

Crank up the
X2: While the Banshee is likely to be the showstopper for ABT this ICAST the
company is also introducing a new series of crankbaits under the “Next
Generation” series called the X-2. The X-2 crankbait is designed to get down
quickly to 12 feet and wobble tightly making it very easy to retrieve quickly.

Also coming from ABT is a new line of deep diving crankbaits called the X2.
(Baby Bass pattern shown)

Borden states
“The proprietary design also allows this lure to flow through the water with
much less resistance than a traditional crankbait. That means you can fish it
all day long – even on lighter-action tackle – without fatigue.” The X-2
crankbaits will be available in realistic fish patterns as well as flashier hot
stamped foil finishes.

A
close up of the X2 "Sexy Ghost" pattern display's the lure's 3D gill pattern and
internal weighting

ABT has always
tried to make their lures affordable for everyday anglers and the Banshee
continues that tradition with a very aggressive price of only $12.99, and the
ABT X-2 Crankbaits will have an MSRP of $8.99.

Both of these
lures will be displayed at the upcoming ICAST show in Las Vegas and availability
will follow shortly after. Making a quality swimbait is a challenge in itself,
but it looks like ABT is stepping up to the plate with their Next Generation
series which that not only looks more realistic, but exhibits both a high level
of quality and craftsmanship without the normally high price tag that usually
comes alongside such features.